I'm a bridesmaid in my oldest friend's wedding Memorial Day weekend this year. I already have my dress, however, i'm afraid that as the wedding gets closer, it's going to be way too big. It's already on the loose side in some areas. I know it can be altered, but how much can it be altered?? Should i exchange it for something smaller now to be safe? I'm also afraid it won't be available as the wedding gets closer. Conflicted!

Is it already ordered?? I would call the store and tell them what you need. Maybe they can change the size. Alterations can be $$$. If not, ask around for a reputable seamstress. They might be cheaper than store alterations.

It's from Nordstrom, and it's still in stock. However, they've been systematically been putting different colors on clearance. I'm just afraid it won't be available if i need it. The seamstress that we would go to is going to be at LEAST $100.00 for alterations. The dress was already pretty expensive, so i really don't want to have to alter it too much.

I had to order my bridesmaid dress for a July wedding in November. I just ordered what my current size was (at the time- they measured me)- they said that the dress could be altered a fair amount, plus it has a corset back so it's fairly adjustable. In the end, it wasn't worth the stress of buying a smaller size.

I would take it to a tailor and ask how much it could be altered. They should be able to give you a better idea by looking at the material, etc. As far as the price goes- you might need to have it altered regardless (depending on what kind of dress it is). But I hear you, the wedding stuff is EXPENSIVE, especially since it's not your own!

First of all...congrats! I know it's a dilemma but it much feel so good for that dress t be feeling looser. Yrs ago I was a BM and I actually had to have the dress altered.....but to make it BIGGER. So sad.

I would recommend, if you can exchange it, do so. I know it is hard to predict but I guess try and calculate what you have been losing consistently and figure out roughly how much more you think you would lose by wedding time. I would calculate a little on the low side, meaning if you have been losing 2lbs a week...calculate it at 1 or 1.5lb loss a week. And talk to sales lady at Nordstrom. They are usually pretty good at estimating sizes and Nordstrom is very good with exchanges, they will literally exchange anything. Will save you money with altering.

Hi If you have dropped a dress size already i would see if you can exchange it for a smaller size first. If you can't get it any smaller, then the person doing the alterations should be able to tell you what they think, and if they can do it. And keep in mind it may take a few days to get it back from alteration place. I got married 2 months ago, and almost didn't get my dress back in time, but thank goodness it worked out.

Is it possible you can return it and split the difference in size? For example, if your current size is a 16 and you expect to be a 12, get a 14? It stinks to pay for alterations but it will be so much easier to take something in vs. try to let it out (if you estimate too small a size). I never had a bridesmaid dress that ran true to size, I swear they made them that way to bank on alterations!

The worst part is, currently, the dress looks ridiculous on me. I'm very busty and it's a one shoulder dress. The pockets and pleats have to be sewn down regardless, which my mom will do (she's a pretty good seamstress, but i'm not sure how much she can alter the dress). I think i'm just going to order the smaller size and hope for the best.

Hmm...I bought my wedding dress from Nordy's and ordered two sizes down. At the time I ordered, I had 45 lbs to lose to get to goal. The seamstress told me that altering that much would not be possible with my gown (lots of beading).

I'd do two things: (1) check with their seamstress to see how many sizes down this dress can be altered. It looks like it might be an easy one to take in (2) find out what their return policy is. Clearly the dress you have will be too small. But maybe you will want to buy two dresses (both smaller) and then decide closer which one to return. I was recently in a wedding and JCrew had a 60 day return policy. I bought two dresses and then returned one at the 60 day point when I had a better idea about size.

On an unrelated note, the thought of fitting into my dress has been a FANTASTIC motivator for me to not eat junk

It's from Nordstrom, and it's still in stock. However, they've been systematically been putting different colors on clearance. I'm just afraid it won't be available if i need it. The seamstress that we would go to is going to be at LEAST $100.00 for alterations. The dress was already pretty expensive, so i really don't want to have to alter it too much.

If it is from Nordstrom, I would buy the smaller size. You can always return the one that doesn't fit at the time of the wedding. So, you would not be out any money.

I too would buy a smaller size, but keep both and decide closer to the event. I started IP the week after my sister's wedding, and within two months had another event I wore the dress for (evening gown). I had to have it taken in more than four inches! Be prepared!

It's from Nordstrom, and it's still in stock. However, they've been systematically been putting different colors on clearance. I'm just afraid it won't be available if i need it. The seamstress that we would go to is going to be at LEAST $100.00 for alterations. The dress was already pretty expensive, so i really don't want to have to alter it too much.

You don't give size details but let me give you mine.
I started out at 260 in a size 24. Five months later, at my current weight I'm wearing 16s and 18s (depending on brand/cut)
That's a LOT of sizes in 5 months, which is what you're looking at.

I think I'd AT LEAST buy one that is snug now and plan for alterations (and PRAY like heck it is still available for exchange in late April!)